Course Descriptions

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OCTA)

Enrollment in the OCTA program courses is limited to those students who have been selected and
admitted to the professional phase of the program. Program courses are sequenced by semester
and must be taken as a group each semester per program requirements and policies.

200: Introduction to Occupational Therapy. (2-2-0)
This course will introduce the historical development, theory, principles, values, roles and responsibilities in Occupational Therapy. Topics include the OT Practice Act, professional behaviors, core values and attitudes, code of ethics, emerging trends, practice framework, models of practice and frames of reference. The basic tenets of Occupational Therapy will also be discussed.

201: Functional Anatomy for OTA. (2-1-3)
This course includes the study of human musculoskeletal anatomy with emphasis on major bones, bony landmarks, joint anatomy, and origin/insertion/action/innervation of selected muscles. Lab activities include palpation of selected bony and soft tissue landmarks and basic analyses of human movement.

203: Physical Challenges to Occupation. (3-2-3)Prerequisite: OCTA 200 and OCTA 201
This course will provide knowledge of occupational therapy assessments and strategies for the OTA to use along with the OTR in gathering data and in assessing individuals with various major medical diagnoses that have altered the individual’s performance in areas of occupation (ADL, IADL, education, play, work, leisure, and social participation). Topics include evaluation and assessments of client factors, intervention principles, and performance areas of occupation.

204: Mental Challenges to Occupation. (3-2-3)
This course will introduce the history and theories, contexts, and interactions with individuals with psychosocial issues that alter an individual’s performance in areas of occupation (ADL, IADL, education, play, work, leisure, and social participation). It will explore treatment approaches and techniques for the client with psychosocial dysfunction to be performed by the OTA. Topics include role of the OTA, practice models, behavioral and life span issues, major DSM-IV-TR diagnoses, contexts of intervention, symptoms, therapeutic use of self, safety, professional behaviors, communication skills (oral and written), group techniques and planning strategies for group intervention and group activities. Introduction of cultural diversities will be discussed. The evaluation process and appropriate assessments will be introduced.

205: Developmental Challenges to Occupation. (3-2-3)
This course will provide knowledge on pediatric health conditions. Topics include normal pediatric and adolescent development, development of occupational performance skills and areas of occupation, intellectual disabilities, and other pediatric disorders that interfere with an individual’s performance in areas of occupation (ADL, IADL, education, play, work, leisure, and social participation). The evaluation process and appropriate assessments will be introduced.

206: Therapeutic Interventions I. (2-1-3)
This course will provide knowledge in patient care, body mechanics, therapeutic modalities and orthotics that will be used to increase the individual’s participation in areas of occupation across the life span. Topics include emphasis on vital signs, patient equipment management, transfers and positioning, range of motion, manual muscle testing, assistive technology, functional ambulation and splinting. Skills such as observation, activity analysis, modalities and their therapeutic value will be introduced.

208: Clinical Documentation I (2-2-0)
This course will provide knowledge of the documentation process for occupational therapy assistants including electronic documentation. Topics also include clinical reasoning skills, professional behaviors, use of language, and ethical and legal considerations.

210: OTA Seminar. (2-2-0)
This course will be a review of skills and principles of the occupational therapy assistant to develop competency as an entry level COTA. Topics include field work practicum expectations and behaviors, professional development, resume writing and interview skills, reimbursement and management skills, preparation of the national certification examination and preparation for state licensure.

212: OT Strategies and Interventions for the Elderly. (2-2-0)
This course will provide knowledge about issues related to aging trends, concepts and theories, health and well being, cultural diversities and ethical aspects related to elders. Topics include emphasis on occupational therapy interventions with the elderly population including working with families and caregivers, mobility and other common medical and psychosocial issues.

213: OT Strategies and Intervention to Physical Challenges. (3-2-3)
This course will provide knowledge of occupational therapy strategies and interventions in conditions that alter an individual's performance in areas of occupation (ADL, IADL, education, play, work, leisure, and social participation). Topics include common diagnoses, treatment environments, and treatment for areas of occupation. Lab activities will concentrate on performance patterns, context, activity demands, and client factors. The evaluation process and appropriate assessments will be expanded upon.

215: OT Strategies and Interventions to Pediatrics. (3-2-3)
This course will provide knowledge in occupational therapy strategies and intervention techniques for individuals ranging in age from birth to age 22 that have limitations that affect their performance in areas of occupation (ADL, IADL, education, play, work, leisure, and social participation). Topics include common diagnoses, assessments, treatment environments, and treatment interventions for areas of occupation. Lab activities will concentrate on performance skills, performance patterns, context, activity demands and client factors.

216: Therapeutic Interventions II. (1-0-3)
This course will provide knowledge of a variety of media and functional activities that will be used to increase the individual’s participation in areas of occupation across the life span. Topics include an emphasis on recognizing and choosing appropriate activities based on a person’s needs, abilities and goals; and adapting, altering or designing equipment and environments that support participation and independence in all areas of performance. Observation skills, activity/task grading and analysis, media and ADL activities, and equipment and their therapeutic value will be expanded upon.

217: Fieldwork 1-B with Documentation. (2 credit hours)
This course will provide experience in physical disability, pediatric, and psychosocial clinical settings to increase knowledge and performance in clinical reasoning and documentation skills. Students will be assigned to 2 different settings, 60 clinical practice hours, under the supervision of a licensed practioner.

220: Fieldwork Level II-A. (6 credit hours)
Student will be assigned full-time placement (40 hrs/week) at an affiliation site for a total of 320 clinical hours for 8 weeks of fieldwork. Students will practice and apply skills learned during the academic component of the OTA program. Students will be under the supervision of a licensed OT practitioner.

221: Fieldwork Level II-B. (6 credit hours)
Student will be assigned full-time placement (40 hrs/week) at an affiliation site for a total of 320 clinical hours. Students will practice and apply skills learned during the academic component of the OTA program. Students will be under the supervision of a licensed OT practitioner.